Make Your Room Cosy on a Budget

No
one will ever convince me that it is impossible to make interior design cosy,
practical, and pretty without spending a small fortune. Are you not convinced?
As a student I quickly learned styling tricks that helped me to make my student
room more of my own without ruining my bank account.

Captured
Memories

Images are excellent to bring any season
from outdoors indoors. Mix and match frames for a more contemporary look or
stick to one design for more of a minimalistic style.

Layers

Do
not be afraid to layer rugs! Especially if you are not fond of the one you
already have. You can find inexpensive options in suitable colours online.

It’s
so Fluffy!

Fuzzy
blankets or throws can change any chair or bed into a more chic piece of
furniture. You do not like your sofa’s colour anymore? That is not a problem;
you do not have to spend hundreds of pounds for a new one. Find a blanket to
transform from ugly to stylish, anything you want. I had hidden my ottoman
wannabe box under a sheep like looking cover.

Fluffier!

Do
not forget to add cushions! Fluffy pillows always help to create a homely look.
I love the one with polar bears I got from Next on sale. My sofa looks so much
more inviting. Pillows also have a practical function as they add necessary
back support for me. More over this is a perfect way to bring colour.

Add
a Dash of Colour

Are
you renting out a flat and want to add a bit more life into the interior? Pick
details in popping out colours to create a more vibrant, dynamic look. It is an easy way to create homely looks and
add your dream colour to make any space more individual.

Lighten
Up

Lighting
can make a whole lot of a difference. Personally I like warm colours during
cold rainy days, which we have more often in Scotland than not. To create an
intimate space I just want to curl up in a bowl with a hot tea and read; I prefer
to pick lights that allow me to create this ambient atmosphere. Fairy lights
are an inexpensive way to add additional soft light in your room. I have cotton
balls I brought back with me from my trip to Thailand. Light bulbs also matter,
so sometimes it is not worth it saving a few pounds.

Lighten
Up Times Three

Moreover
multiple sources of lighting will allow you to create any look you are going
for. Is there anything easier than switching on lights when you need that extra
brightness or diming them down when you want to watch a movie? In a space where
I relax I have warm, soft lights, whereas in the spots where I usually work I
have brighter light.

Add
Green

One thing that always
makes me smile without a fail each time are fresh flowers. Nevertheless
they do not last forever so for a long time now I also have been buying flowers
in pots. This year I have a Boston Fern and an Orchid from my sister. I believe
that this Orchid has been with me for over 5 years now!

Seasonal Touches

I like when my flat
reflects seasons but I do not like to spend too much from my budget every three
months solely for this purpose. Candles are perfect way to not only add seasonal
colours but also delicate aroma. I cannot wait to start picking new WoodWick
candles each Autumn. They crackle as if they were a real fire, and their smell
lasts for so long! So far my favourite is baby powder. Can the evenings get any
cosier?

Changing and updating your
favourite photographs bring memories and can help reflect seasons. It is time
to print out images from last snowboarding adventure!

Aroma

Finish
off your new stylish space with beloved aromas. Nothing is better than
returning to a superbly smelling flat you just do not want to leave, like ever!
Gorgeous scents are just inviting to come in, take a sit and enjoy hot
chocolate together while listening to your favourite album.

Attention to details
creates a friendly and personal space. I promise you do not require a huge
budget to design a space you love and all your friends want to hang out in!

Great post, Iga! It's amazing what little details you can add to your home to really freshen it up. My boyfriend always moans I have too many cushions but I love adding a splash of colour to make everything seem new. Beautiful photos :)

I can recommend reading Marie Kondo's book about tidying up and letting things go. I actually did write a review about it. It is quite useful and helps to understand what items spark joy and should stay or just are taking extra space.

All of these tips are so spot on! I know I was quick to add some colors and make things fluffy. It just all seemed more like home for me and everyone else loved it too. I mean, how could you fight some fluffy blankets and pillows when they just absorb you into them? (:

Definitely agree with all of this, I did a lot of these as a student and still do them now! I've changed the rug on my sofa a few times. I've also come picture frames I swap out and freshen things up to help change the mood of the season! Great post!

Absolutely love this post Iga and I love nothing more than giving my home a fresh new look especially with every season, kind of like a theme to go with each season. Funnily enough I'm sorting my living room out today, now we are in Autumn. Which drew me to your blog post. Their is some fantastic tips here hun, definitely going to be remembering some of these today. I have tons of candles, so they all need sorting out, but I'm unsure where they are going to go yet haha. I love dim pretty lights especially in Autumn and winter months. Fantastic post hun, loved it. LisaGXoX

Thank you so much Lisa! Autumn is perfect to start using all candles you have. I am sure that you will be able to find a place where they not only give a fantastic aroma but also look gorgeous and finish your interior design. I currently have one from Yankee and I am really disappointed. It can be on for hours yet there is zero aroma! Iga x